Residential Home Inspections

Why have a residential home inspection?

The practice of having a home inspected before purchase got its start in the early 1990s. This excellent cautionary measure became widespread and today, according to MarketWatch, 95% of homes are inspected before purchase.

While it is not a legal requirement to have a home inspected in Texas, home inspectors do need to be licensed. They are tested by a government entity, the Texas Real Estate Commission, and must renew their license every two years.

 

Who orders a residential home inspection?

It is the responsibility of the prospective home buyer to order the home inspection. He or she will typically ask their realtor for potential names, or they may decide to conduct research on their own to find an inspector.

However, many home owners who wish to expedite the sale of their home will often have a home inspection done first, so they can fix any problems before they put their home on the market. It’s best for the buyer to have a home inspection performed by a different inspector, if that is the case.

 

Home inspection is an art and a science

Does it matter who you choose to perform a residential home inspection?

Absolutely.

Most people who wish to start a career as a home inspector take a few courses– which are very thorough, to be sure. But they don’t have the hands-on home construction experience that sets NationSpec apart. NationSpec was founded by Mike Catalfumo, who worked in home construction and renovations for many years before switching careers. He has that insider’s knowledge of home construction and the mistakes in the building process that can occur, and he imparts that insight to his inspection crew.

 

 

 

Structural system

NationSpec home inspectors thoroughly check the home’s structural systems. Is the foundation crumbling? What about the sidewalks and driveways? Any upheaval due to frost, or tree roots?

We check to make sure the home has proper drainage – directing water away from the home’s foundation rather than into it. Are door frames rotting? Are the seals on any of the windows broken?

Unlike other home inspectors, we will also inspect detached garages and sprinkler systems.

 

Electrical system

Inadequate wiring is one of the main causes for electrical fires. It’s therefore important to conduct a thorough examination of a home’s electrical system.

 

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system

There are so many was to heat a home these days – everything from electric to gas furnaces to gas or pellet burning fireplaces. We check to make sure gas fireplaces are properly vented outside, for example.

 

Plumbing system

Every element in the plumbing system is inspected.

We also check subsurface moisture levels for possible leaks.

 

Appliances

We check for frayed cords, evidence of leakage beneath the refrigerator, and so on. We also perform a RecallChek on all our appliances. If any of the appliances in the home have been recalled, we’ll let you know. Bear in mind that recalled appliances must be repaired for free by the manufacturer.

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NationSpec’s Visual Inspection Checklist